Residents of Huruma, Nairobi, are counting heavy losses after a fierce fire broke out near Jumia Hospital on Sunday night, August 10.
The fire started at around 9pm at Johnsaga, a location right next to the hospital. According to the Kenya Red Cross Nairobi Branch, emergency teams rushed to the area immediately after the alert came in.
“Incident alert at 9pm: A fire incident has been reported at Johnsaga next to Jumia Hospital in Huruma, Nairobi,” the Kenya Red Cross said in a statement. “Response teams are at the scene, working alongside community members to contain the fire.”
Fire engines from the Kenya Red Cross and other rescue teams worked late into the night to control the flames. Residents also joined in, forming lines to pass buckets of water and trying to save whatever property they could.
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Videos shared online showed bright orange flames shooting from buildings, lighting up the night sky. The fire appeared to spread quickly through the densely packed neighborhood.
Initial reports suggest the fire was caused by an exploding gas cylinder in one of the buildings. At the time of writing, there were no confirmed casualties.
Still, the damage was severe. Many families lost clothes, furniture, and personal belongings. Shop owners in the area also lost goods worth thousands of shillings.
For residents, this tragedy brought back painful memories of another fire just months ago in Kibra estate, Nairobi, on June 11. That fire destroyed over 100 homes, leaving families sleeping in the open.
In Kibra, the flames also consumed market stalls, dealing a heavy blow to traders. Public Service Cabinet Secretary Geoffrey Ruku visited the area at the time with Kibra MP Peter Orero, promising emergency relief.
“Incidents of fires have become very common in informal settlements, especially in Nairobi,” Ruku said then. “The government is committed to ending these tragedies to protect the lives and property of citizens.”
He also visited Mukungu village in Kibra earlier that morning to help fire victims. “The government will provide emergency relief aid to the families to assist them in getting their lives back on track,” he promised.
Residents of Huruma are now hoping for the same support. Many say they have nowhere to go and no way to start over without assistance.
John Mwangi, a resident who lost his home, told reporters he escaped with only the clothes on his back. “The fire was so fast. I just ran out. Everything I owned is gone,” he said.
Another resident, Mama Akinyi, said she fears sleeping at night after this incident. “Every time I hear a loud sound, I think another fire has started,” she shared.
The Kenya Red Cross has urged residents to check their gas connections, store cylinders properly, and keep fire extinguishers in homes where possible.
Authorities are still assessing the damage and are expected to release an official report soon.
For now, Huruma is left in shock, and with urgent questions about why fires keep happening in Nairobi’s crowded neighborhoods.
